7-8 OCTOBER, 2017 • COOLANGATTA BEACH, GOLD COAST

sls.com.au/coolangattagold • #cooliegold

R ACE GUIDE

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It is with great pleasure I welcome you to the 2017 Coates Hire Coolangatta Gold.

Over 700 competitors will be taking part in the weekends racing in what is a record year for

participation in the Coates Hire Coolangatta Gold. These competitors hail from across Australia and

around the world, and, like you, come with a determination to take on the ultimate endurance race in

surf sports.

The Coates Hire Coolangatta Gold is renowned as the most gruelling endurance race in surf sport,

requiring incredible mental and physical strength to conquer the multi-disciplinary course. I’m excited

to welcome back our defending long course champions, Ali Day and Courtney Hancock, along with an

incredible line up of elite athletes in what will surely be a contest for the record books.

I would also like to congratulate the almost 200 junior athletes taking part in the Youth Challenge. The

race is an opportunity for you, as our future generation of Surf Sport athletes, to harness the skills you

have learned as lifesavers in a competitive space.

On behalf of SLSA, I would like to thank all those who have contributed to the success of this event,

especially our volunteer officials who have worked so hard to make this weekend a success. It is going

to be an outstanding weekend of competition and I wish all competitors the very best of luck.

Graham Ford AM

President, Surf Life Saving Australia

W E L C O M E F R O M T H E S L S A P R E S I D E N T

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Welcome to the Gold Coast for the 2017 Coates Hire Coolangatta Gold, one of Australia's most

iconic and challenging endurance surf sport events.

Some of the world’s most accomplished athletes will compete in the gruelling multi-discipline

endurance races as part of the event.

The Coates Hire Coolangatta Gold has evolved into an exciting weekend festival that celebrates

surf sport and draws crowds from across Australia and overseas.

Major events play an important role in promoting our destinations, driving visitation and

supporting jobs.

The Queensland Government is proud to support this event through Tourism and Events

Queensland as part of the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.

Events like the Coates Hire Coolangatta Gold reinforce our position as a world-class sporting

events destination.

Thank you to Surf Life Saving Australia, officials and volunteers for delivering this great event for

Queensland, and I wish all the competitors a safe and enjoyable weekend.

I encourage those who have travelled to experience this iconic Queensland competition to stay on

and explore the memorable visitor experiences the Gold Coast offers.

The Hon Kate Jones MP

Minister for Tourism and Major Events

W E L C O M E F R O M T H E M I N I S T E R F O R T O U R I S M A N D M A J O R E V E N T S

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Sun-bronzed athletes churning across golden sand after crashing through some of the best waves on

the planet: that’s Coolangatta Gold. Quintessential Gold Coast.

It all began, of course, with an idea for a movie which became an Australian classic. So, too, did the race.

Since 1984 it has been held 16 times. There were lengthy gaps between races in the initial years and

there have been several variations in the course.

But in the 12 years since 2005 the gripping tension and superlative spectacle of this iconic race have

made it a national and international favourite that commands a place of honour in the nation’s most

challenging sporting events.

As with any gruelling test of endurance, mental strength is just as vital as physical prowess. Those

who undertake the 41.8 km elite course are truly the best of the best and their athleticism is a pinnacle

of fitness.

But there are many others – both older and younger – who want bragging rights for competing in the

Coolangatta Gold and they now have a choice of the Short Course event or the Youth Challenge.

Watching over it all are the superheroes of Gold Coast’s global surfing reputation – the club stalwarts

of Surf Life Saving Australia.

These volunteer champions of public safety stand guard over competitors and spectators to protect

the image and reputation of Gold Coast as one of the world’s greatest beach tourism destinations.

I am eager for the race to begin and get my fix of adrenaline for another year. Go, Coolangatta Gold.

This is Gold Coast – Way Ahead.

Tom TateMayor

W E L C O M E M E S S A G E F R O M T H E C I T Y O F G O L D C O A S T M AYO R

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C O M E . S E E . S TAY. W E L C O M E T O O N E O F A U S T R A L I A’ S M O S T C A P T I V A T I N G C I T I E S .

Long known for its breathtaking coastline, the Gold Coast could

easily be another beach destination. But scratch beneath the

surface and you’ll discover a place of powerful contrasts, the

nostalgic and the new, the audacious and the abundant. Step

beyond the stadiums to discover a city by the sea that’s maintained

its coastal town soul. Unearth rare finds among the bohemian

laneways and coastal emporiums of the south. Foodies rejoice, with

beachside fine dining to laid-back rooftop bars and buzzing markets

there’s plenty of opportunities to indulge. Meet the locals at a native

wildlife sanctuary, or relax into your swing on one of the world’s

most picturesque golf courses.

Fancy a change of tempo? Indulge your inner thrill-seeker at a theme

park or soak up the lively ambience of the city after dark. Discover

boutique vineyards and sample local produce in village cafes or

pack your hiking boots and explore over 100,000 hectares of World

Heritage listed rainforest.

Be swept up in an energy as constant as the ocean tides. You can

see it in the faces of baristas, life guards, and surfers paddling out at

dawn. Feel it between your toes, taste it in the fresh salty air, glimpse

it in the vivid city lights.

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The Coates Hire Coolangatta Gold will be held on the Gold Coast

between Coolangatta and Broadbeach on the 7th and 8th October

2017.

The Coates Hire Coolangatta Gold is one of the most challenging

endurance races in surf sports. What began as the central theme

for a motion picture more than 30 years ago, has now commanded

a place on Australia’s calendar of prestigious sporting events.

There will be plenty of action on and off the course with the

Festival Zone the perfect place to enjoy family fun activities,

sponsor activations and delicious food and drinks stalls – be sure

to tell your family and friends. All day on the grass at the back of

Coolangatta beach.

W H E R E :All events start and finish at Coolangatta Beach, Gold Coast

QLD. Courses cover much of the Gold Coast with the ski in the

Long Course travelling as far north as Broadbeach, with a major

transition at Burleigh Beach and minor transition sites at Miami &

Currumbin Creek.

W H E N :

Course Date Race start times

Short Course 7 October 2017 From 7:30am

Long Course 8 October 2017 From 7:30am

K E Y T I M E S

Saturday 7 October

6:30AMShort Course - Athlete Marshalling/

Numbering commences

7:20AM All ready for start of racing

7:30AMShort Course - First wave starts

Open Male & Open Female

10:00AM Short Course Open presentations

10:30PM Short Course Individual and Teams presentations

Sunday 16 October

6:30AMLong Course - Athlete Marshalling/

Numbering commences

7:20AM All ready for start of racing

7:30AMLong Course - First wave starts

Elite Male & Elite Female

12:00PM Long Course Elite presentations

12:30PM Long Course Individual and Teams presentations

C O AT E S H I R E C O O L A N G AT TA G O L D 2 017

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Gold Coast Hwy

Gold Coast Hwy

Musgrave St

STRATEGIC PARTNER MAJOR NATIONAL PARTNERSEVENT PARTNERSNAMING PARTNER

START/FINISH

TUGUN SLSC

NORTH KIRRA SLSC

COOLANGATTA

10.5 KM

3 KM 2 KM

5.5 KM

Mills St

SHORT COURSE 21KM

SHORT COURSEC OAT E S H I R E C O O L A N G AT TA G O L D 2 017

INDIVIDUALS

U19 MALE, FEMALE

OPEN MALE, FEMALE

35 - 49 MALE, FEMALE

50+ MALE, FEMALE

MATES WAVE MALE, FEMALE

TEAMS

U19 TEAMS MALE, FEMALE, MIXED

OPEN TEAMS MALE, FEMALE, MIXED140+MASTER TEAMS MALE, FEMALE, MIXED 190+ MASTER TEAMS MALE, FEMALE, MIXED MATES WAVE TEAMS MALE, FEMALE, MIXED

– SKI – RUN – SWIM – BOARD

Leg Distance Location

Ski 10.5km Coolangatta to Tugun, return to Coolangatta

Swim 2km Coolangatta to Haig St Kirra, return to Coolangatta

Board 3km Coolangatta to North Kirra, return to Coolangatta

Run 5.5km Coolangatta to Mills St Tugun, return to Coolangatta

S H O R T C O U R S E D E TA I L SS A T U R D A Y 7 O C T O B E R – 2 1 K M

C AT E G O R I E S :

Individual Categories Team Categories

U19 Male U19 Male

U19 Female U19 Female

Open Male U19 Mixed

Open Female Open Male

35-49 Male Open Female

35-49 Female Open Mixed

50+ Male 140+ Masters Male

50+ Female 140+ Masters Female

Mates Wave 140+ Masters Mixed

190+ Masters Male

190+ Masters Female

190+ Masters Mixed

Mates Wave

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L O N G C O U R S E D E TA I L SS U N D A Y 8 O C T O B E R – 41 . 8 K M

Leg Distance Location

Ski 23km Coolangatta to Miami via Anne Ave Broadbeach

Run 2.1km Miami to Burleigh

Swim 3.5km Burleigh to Burleigh (loop)

Board 6.1km Burleigh to Currumbin (south side of Currumbin rock)

Run 7.1km Currumbin to Coolangatta

C AT E G O R I E S :

Individual Categories Team Categories

Elite Male (Prize Money) U19 Male

Elite Female (Prize Money) U19 Female

U19 Male U19 Mixed

U19 Female Open Male

19-34 Male Open Female

19-34 Female Open Mixed

35-49 Male 140+ Masters Male

35-49 Female 140+ Masters Female

50+ Male 140+ Masters Mixed

50+ Female 190+ Masters Male

Mates Wave 190+ Masters Female

190+ Masters Mixed

Mates Wave

Gold Coast Hwy

Gold Coast Hwy

Gold Coast Hwy

Gold Coast Hwy

STRATEGIC PARTNER MAJOR NATIONAL PARTNERSEVENT PARTNERSNAMING PARTNER

23 KM

6.1 KM

7.1 KM

START/FINISH

3.5 KM

BROADBEACH(Anne Ave) 2.1 KM

BURLEIGH

NTH BURLEIGH Fourth Ave

KURRAWAMIAMI

BILINGA

CURRUMBINTUGUN

COOLANGATTA

LONG COURSE 41.8KM

LONG COURSEC OAT E S H I R E C O O L A N G AT TA G O L D 2 017

INDIVIDUALS

ELITE MALE, FEMALE

U19 MALE, FEMALE

19 -34 MALE, FEMALE

35 - 49 MALE, FEMALE

50+ MALE, FEMALE

MATES WAVE MALE, FEMALE

TEAMS

U19 TEAMS MALE, FEMALE, MIXED

OPEN TEAMS MALE, FEMALE, MIXED140+ MASTER TEAMS MALE, FEMALE, MIXED 190+ MASTER TEAMS MALE, FEMALE, MIXED MATES WAVE TEAMS MALE, FEMALE, MIXED

– SKI – RUN – SWIM – BOARD

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PINK GCCC BUOY 20m east of headland

PINK GCCC BUOY @ 200m

DHL TURNING CAN @ 300m

B U OY M A P SL O N G C O U R S E

1 0

Yellow Boat Can @ 100m.

White Boat Can @ 150m

Orange Boat Can @ 250m.

Orange Turning Buoys @ 300m & 350m

Orange Boat Can @ 350m

Orange Boat Can @ 250m.

Orange Boat Can @ 350m

B U OY M A P SS H O R T C O U R S E

Short Course Buoy Map – Coolangatta Beach

Short Course Buoy Map – Ski Leg

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White Boat Can @ 150m White Boat Can @ 200m.

White Turning Buoys @ 200m & 250m

Yellow Boat Can @ 100m. Yellow Boat Can @ 100m.

Yellow Boat Can @ 100m

Yellow Boat Can @ 100m.

Red & Yellow DHL Turning Buoys@ 100m.

B U OY M A P SS H O R T C O U R S E

Short Course Buoy Map – Swim Leg

Short Course Buoy Map – Board Leg

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All categories will be competing for medals. However, prize money

is only on offer for the Elite Male and Elite Female Long Course. A

finisher’s medal will be awarded to every competitor who completes

the course.

E L I T E M A L E & E L I T E F E M A L E L O N G C O U R S E

Place Prize Money

1st $18,000

2nd $7,000

3rd $4,000

4th $3,000

5th $2,000

6th $1,000

For those participating for prize money (elite categories), please

note athletes in these groups will not be covered under work cover

and should refer to the participant disclaimer item 15 Insurance

for clarity. Furthermore, all competitors in this specific category

will only be covered under personal accident Insurance. Public

competitors (i.e. those not a member of an affiliated SLS club) will

compete at their own risk as per the entry declaration.

P R I Z E M O N E Y

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E V E N T C O M M U N I C AT I O NThe 2017 Coates Hire Coolangatta Gold will be using the ‘Team App’

smart phone application to send out updates and notifications to

competitors. Please see the below instructions to understand what

‘Team App’ is and how to use it. It may also be helpful to visit the

website for further clarification at teamapp.com/faqs.

H O W D O I U S E T H E T E A M A P P ?Download ‘Team App’ from your App Store or Google Play. Once

you have downloaded the app and created a user login, search for

‘2017 Coates Hire Coolangatta Gold’ in the search bar at the top

of the screen and click on the event to join. From here you will be

able to access news feeds, event timings and where to find all the

latest and up to date information on the event. By joining the event

and turning on your mobile app notifications, you will receive an

immediate text and email update as they are posted, ensuring you

never miss any important information!

‘Team App’ is applicable for all Apple iPhones, iPads and iPods, plus

most Android mobile devices.

**Please note it is imperative that you sign up for this application to receive important race information. Whilst Facebook and other channels will post periodic updates, the ‘Team App’ will be the main point of communication between the events team and competitors. This will be replacing the SMS text messaging

service used previously at Surf Life Saving Australia events.**

T R A C K I N G C O M P E T I T O R STo track competitors and view live race results, click the TRACK

button below:

R E C O V E RY Z O N EA Recovery Zone will be set up for competitors to utilise at the

conclusion of their race.

WITHIN THIS ZONE ATHLETES WILL HAVE EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Water

• Fruit

• Coast Nutrition will supply their Sports™ Recovery Nutrition

with the Amino Acids, Carbohydrates, 24 Vitamins & Minerals for

recovery

• Toilets

• First Aid treatment

C R A F T D R O P O F F F O R C O M P E T I T O R SCompetitors may drop off their craft at the designated Craft Drop

off location – Queen Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta. Drop off area will

be from 10am to 4pm on Friday 6th October and competitors should

report to the event official on site for instructions.

O N L I N E B R I E F I N GIn order to improve the overall event briefing and pack distribution

process for all participants and officials, SLSA will now be

conducting all pre-event technical and safety briefings online. The

following briefing questionnaire is compulsory for all competitors

and handlers. Please ensure you have completed and submitted

your declaration by October 5th 5pm latest, failure to do so may

result in disqualification of the individual.

THE NEW SYSTEM WILL WORK AS FOLLOWS:

• All participants must read each section and answer the multi-

choice question correctly

• A confirmation email will be sent to the nominated email address

from SLSA within 2 business days to acknowledge all sections

have been reviewed (Please note all questions must be answered

correctly or you will need to re-sit the briefing)

• Participants to collect athlete pack on Friday 6 October at

Coolangatta from 2-6pm

THE LINK TO BRIEFINGS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Officials Briefing:

www.surveymonkey.com/r/2017CoolyGoldOfficialsBriefing

Participant Briefing:

www.surveymonkey.com/r/2017CoolyGoldParticipantBriefing

G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N

CRAFT DROP OFF FOR COMPETITORSQueen Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta

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In addition to the online briefing SLSA Officials will conduct the

compulsory event briefings:

Handler Briefings:

Saturday October 7th 2017

Coolangatta Beach

6.30am

Handler Briefings:

Sunday October 8th 2017

Coolangatta Beach

6.30am

Sunday October 8th 2017

Miami Beach

8.00am

Sunday October 8th 2017

Burleigh Beach

8.10am

Sunday October 8th 2017

Currumbin Beach

10.15am

AT H L E T E PA C K

ALL ATHLETE PACKS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION AND TIME:

Beach side of Coolangatta SLSC

(Corner of Marine Parade and Dutton St, Coolangatta QLD)

Friday October 6th, 2017 2pm-6pm

You may choose anytime between 2-6pm to collect yours packs,

however if you arrive without having completed your online briefing

you will be denied access to the pickup area.

If you are unable to collect your pack during these times please

ensure you notify the SLSA events team via events@slsa.asn.au. Both event referees will also be present and available from 4-6pm

to answer any questions you may have.

AT H L E T E B L U R BCompetitors may be required to wear event sponsor’s branding

whilst participating in the event and during any pre or post event

media attendances

U N D E R S TA N D I N G T H E N E W S H O R T C O U R S EThe short course will all come through Coolangatta Beach with

one transition this year. This will mean that the course will be

closer together and therefore different to any short course put

together in Coolangatta Gold history.

To make transition zones as easy as possible, each leg will have

a different directional colour, making it easier to identify on the

course.

SWIM YELLOW

SKI RED

BOARD WHITE

Examples of what to look out for can be seen below. Event SLSA staff

will also be available on site to help explain should any competitor

feel worried heading into the Saturday competition. You can also

use the site map on page *** to help prepare yourself.

C

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Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

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CG17_SIGNAGE_CCB_Swim-In_FLHR.pdf 1 21/9/17 9:25 am

C

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CM

MY

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CMY

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CG17_SIGNAGE_CCB-BOARD_FLHR.pdf 1 21/9/17 9:16 am

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CG17_SIGNAGE_Ski-In_FLHR.pdf 1 21/9/17 9:14 am

G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N

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SLSA will be running the Youth Challenge event for the 4th time

in 2017 on Sunday, 8 October. The youth concept will run in

conjunction with the main event and is aimed at increasing the

number of people around the finish line area to enhance the

overall event atmosphere and event status, as well as encourage

youth competitors to participate in the main event of Coates Hire

Coolangatta Gold in future years.

L O C AT I O N

All disciplines start and finish at Coolangatta Beach, Gold Coast

QLD. Competitors conclude through the main event finish arch.

Leg Distance

Run 300m

Swim 400m

Run 400m

Board 500m

TOTAL 1.65km

*Distance approx. and subject to change

YO U T H C H A L L E N G E D E TA I L SS U N D A Y 8 O C T O B E R – 1 . 6 5 K M

STRATEGIC PARTNER MAJOR NATIONAL PARTNERSEVENT PARTNERSNAMING PARTNER

START/FINISH

SWIM/BOARD (IN)SWIM (OUT)

BOARD (OUT)

500 M

400 M

COURSE 1.65KM

YOUTH CHALLENGEC OAT E S H I R E C O O L A N G AT TA G O L D 2 017

– RUN – SWIM – BOARD

1 6

Come down and take in the amazing atmosphere at the

Coates Hire Coolangatta Gold Festival Zone.

It will be the perfect place to have a bite to eat and take the kids for

some FREE fun with a giant 28m long inflatable obstacle course,

guaranteed to excite the kids and even the adults. You can also

capture your favourite Coates Hire Coolangatta Gold moment on

camera with our photo booth. Some of our event partners will be

there showcasing their products including Gold FMs live outside

broadcast on Sunday morning.

If that’s not enough to tempt you, the Gold Coast's longest running

and best all round local art and craft markets will be running on

Sunday at Queen Elizabeth Park.

Relive the magic and history of the Coolangatta Gold at Birch Carroll

and Coyle, Coolangatta. They will be showing The Coolangatta Gold

on Saturday 7th October at 4:30pm. Tickets are $10pp. On sale now.

F E S T I VA L Z O N E

All races will start and finish at Coolangatta Beach.

Presentations for the elite categories (short course and long course)

will occur on the stage at the finishing area approximately 30mins

after the top 3 male and female elite competitors have crossed the

finish line. The best place to view the transitions for the long course

(Run > Swim > Board) is at Burleigh Beach.

S P E C T A T O R I N F O R M A T I O N

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A range of official Coates Hire Coolangatta Gold 2017 apparel

and accessories is available for purchase in advance, or at the event.

Combining this year’s event logo with on trend materials, the high-

quality range includes tee shirts, singlets, caps, visors, water bottles

and drink coolers. To guarantee your size, order now from the online

store http://lsamerchandise.com.au/coolangattagold/

The range will also be available for purchase at the event: Both

at registration, 3pm-6pm on Friday October 6th, and over the

weekend in the festival zone in front of Coolangatta SLSC clubhouse.

M E R C H A N D I S E

F I R S T A I D & S U P P O R T S TAT I O N SMajor Stations

There will be major stations set up at Miami, Burleigh, Currumbin

and Coolangatta.

THESE WILL HAVE AVAIL ABLE:

• First Aid (include a doctor, registered nurse and first aiders)

• Esky containing ice

• Drink containers with water

• Toilets

• Wash station

Minor Stations

There will be minor stations set up North Burleigh, Tugun, Bilinga

and North Kirra.

THESE WILL HAVE AVAIL ABLE:

• First Aid (including registered nurses and first aiders)

• Drink containers with water

WAT E R S A F E T YWater Safety will consist of IRBs, jet skis, and Jet Rescue Boat.

Water Safety personnel will be wearing hi-vis yellow. Additionally,

all swimmers must be accompanied by a qualified lifesaver on a

board to ensure their safety during the swim leg.

S A F E T Y

1 8

E N T R Y C O N D I T I O N S & R A C E R E G U L AT I O N S

The Coates Hire Coolangatta Gold (“Event”) is conducted under

the authority and regulations of Surf Life Saving Australia Limited

(“SLSA”).

These rules for the Event (“Event rules”) must be read in conjunction

with, and are subject to, SLSA’s Constitution and Regulations, the

revised 35th Edition of the SLSA Surf Sports Manual (Downloads

> Sport > Surf Sports Manuals) (SSM) and any Policies, Bulletins,

Circulars or other publications as issued by SLSA from time to time.

Further regulations for the Event were included in the entry circular

which can be located at https://sls.com.au/coolangattagold/. Those

regulations will be supplementary to these Event rules but will have

the same effect and obligation as these Event rules.

R A C E R E G U L AT I O N STo be eligible to compete, competitors must abide by the following

conditions.

E N T RY:• Competitors can be either current members of SLSA or members

of the general public. If team competitors are members of SLSA

they are NOT required to be from the same Surf Life Saving Club.

• Competitors must be 16 years of age on the event day to be

eligible to compete in individual events.

• Competitors must be a minimum 14 years of age on the event day

to be eligible to compete in the beach run legs of a team event, 15

years of age to be eligible to compete in swim or board legs and 16

years of age to be eligible to compete in the ski leg

• All competitors who are entering in any category enter of

their own accord however they must follow SLSA Competition

Conditions outlined in the revised 35th edition of the Surf Sports

Manual.

• All competitors who are members of a Surf Life Saving Club must

be entered in the Event with their respective Clubs listed, must

be financial members and be eligible for competition under the

current Surf Sports Manual.

• The age that competitors are on race day (as at 12:01am Saturday

7th October 2017 or 12:01am Sunday 8th October 2017 for the

short and long courses respectively) determines the category

they are eligible to compete.

E L I G I B I L I T Y:• All individuals in any individual category will compete on the short

course unless they can prove to SLSA’s comfortable satisfaction

that they have:

a. Previously successfully completed the Coolangatta Gold long

course; or

b. Successfully completed the Coolangatta Gold short course in

2015 or 2016; or they

c. Can demonstrate proven capability to complete the long

course.

S K I & B O A R D L E G :• It is compulsory for all competitors to wear a minimum certified

AS4758 Level 50 or Type 2 lifejacket whilst completing the ski leg.

Please note that the PFD Type 2 is the old standard and Level 50

is the new labelling standard; both will be accepted. Please note

the PFD Type 3 or Level 50S will not be accepted as they do not

meet the conspicuous colour requirements. There are many styles

and stockists of the PFD Level 50 and we recommend you choose

a paddle vest that has a lower cut under your arms to maximise

paddling comfort. For more in-depth information, please refer to

the Australian Canoeing website.

• All skis and boards must have the competitor’s number placed

on them as a sticker to help identify their craft. Stickers will be

provided in competitor packs and should be applied to clean, dry

craft in the locations identified in the diagram below on page 20.

Competitors will receive sufficient stickers for 2x on the ski, 1x on

the board and 1x on the board paddler’s board for the swim leg.

• On each water leg of the course there will be buoy gates which

is compulsory for every competitor to pass through every gate;

failure to do so may result in disqualification. Ski leg gates will be

approximately 4km apart and maximum 350m offshore.

• Competitors are to complete the course as indicated in the course

maps and buoy maps and where indicated race on the correct

side of the buoy

• Ski competitors in both short and long course must either have a

water storage device securely attached to their surf ski and filled

with a minimum of two litres of water or other suitable liquid or

have another similar water carrying device on their person.

• Every competitor MUST listen to and adhere to the SLSA Referee/

Officials in regard to the course and any changes that may occur

on the day due to conditions.

M A R S H A L L I N G :1. Marshalling will commence at 6.30am on both Saturday and

Sunday at Coolangatta.

2. A notice board will be available showing marshalling areas

on beach, as well as indicative diagrams at each pedestrian

access way to the beach. Notice boards will also provide /

remind competitors of their position number for marshalling /

scrutineering.

3. Each wave will have a designated area in which to marshal.

4. Marshalls / scrutineers will then check competitor numbers,

PFDs, race timers, water/fluids and the condition of race craft.

5. Competitors whose gear does not pass the scrutineering will not

start the event.

6. Notwithstanding, the Competition Committee reserves the

authority to postpone, adapt, or modify the race, race start and/

or category start times as deemed necessary.

7. Race start time is 7.30am from Coolangatta both Saturday and

Sunday.

8. Depending on the conditions, the start will be a standard ski

start (i.e knee deep water) or from deep water (offshore).

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E N T R Y C O N D I T I O N S & R A C E R E G U L AT I O N S

C O U R S E :1. Every competitor must negotiate the course in the manner

determined and presented by the Competition Committee and

in accordance with event rules.

2. Competitors must follow the directions and instructions of all

suitably identified race officials. A failure to do so may result in

disqualification. It is the competitor’s responsibility, however, to

have a complete understanding of the course.

3. Drinks stations will be provided along the event course.

Competitors must either have a water storage device securely

attached to their surf ski and filled with a minimum of two litres

of water or other suitable liquid or have another similar water

carrying device on their person.

4. No competitor, handler, or other person, whether associated

with a competitor or a competitor’s team or club or not, shall

(if judged by an official) impede the performance of other

competitor/s.

5. Note: Competitors will be deemed to be responsible for the

actions of their handlers, or other persons in their team, and the

competitor shall be penalised for any actions of such handlers

and other persons as if the offence was committed by the

competitor.

6. It is the competitor’s responsibility to follow the exact

instructions given at the athlete pack hand out of how to wear

the timing chip so that a time will be recorded when going

through the transition points.

R E T I R E M E N T F R O M T H E E V E N T:Competitors may retire from the event at any point if they so choose.

In some instances, the Referee, Officials or Medical Officers will

determine that a competitor cannot continue and they will be

advised to retire. This will be communicated to the competitor

and/or the competitor’s handler/s who shall immediately remove

or cause the removal of the competitor’s equipment from the

competition area.

Medical Officials have full authority to prevent and/or restrain

a competitor from continuing in the event if, in their opinion, a

competitor is physically incapable of continuing the race without

the danger of severe physical damage, loss of life, adversely

affecting other competitors or adversely affecting the safety

conditions of the event.

Further to the paragraph above, competitors who fail to finish legs

within a period of time stipulated by the Competition Committee,

must retire from the event. SLSA accepts no responsibility for those

competitors who fail to meet the cut off times and refuse to leave

the course. The competitors will be automatically disqualified from

the event (‘Disqualification’) and their timing chip will be removed

by officials. If after disqualification the competitor continues to

participate in the event, they do so at their own risk and SLSA (and

its members and officials) take no responsibility for the safety and

welfare of that competitor.

Any competitor who does not adhere to the directions of the

Medical Officers, Event Referee or designated Officials in regard

to retirement from the race will be automatically disqualified from

the Coates Hire Coolangatta Gold 2017 and may have their matter

referred to the Competition Committee for disciplinary action or

a penalty. Where a competitor and or a team choose to ignore the

directions from the Medical Officers, Event Referee or designated

Officials and continue to compete they do so at their own risk.

A N T I - D O P I N G :1. The Event shall be conducted under the SLSA Anti-Doping

Policy. (A copy of this policy can be found here)

2. Drug testing may be conducted at any competition that is

conducted under the authority of SLSA.

3. Athletes should also “Check Your Substances” online by calling

1300 0AS ADA (1300 027 232)

R A C E C O S T U M E S & N U M B E R S :1. Each competitor and handler/s must wear their assigned

number/s on both front/side upper arms and back of one calve

(or location on leg not covered by clothing). The numbers will be

applied using numbered tattoos provided by SLSA in the athlete

packs that competitors must pick up between 2-6pm on Friday

5th October, outside the Coolangatta SLSC. Numbers must

remain visible at all times during the race and cannot at any

stage during the race be covered with swimming costumes or

other clothing. Race numbers will be used in judging (in addition

to the timing devices, so must be visible to officials.

2. During the swim leg, a provided fluoro pink swimming cap must

be worn by all competitors.

3. SLSA members’ Surf Life Saving Club caps are optional for Ski,

Board and Run legs.

4. Costumes must be SLSA approved as designated in the revised

35th Edition of the SLSA Surf Sports Manual (refer to sections

2.4 & 2.5). (This Manual is available to members on the SLSA

website at www.sls.com.au/downloads, non-members should

contact events@slsa.asn.au for a copy). Any variance to SLSA’s

approved costumes may be approved for use by the Referee

prior to the commencement of the event.

5. Swimming costumes are to be worn at all times along with

the event lycra supplied by SLSA. Competitors are allowed

to wear clothing that substitutes a swimming costume such

as bike pants, or compression garments for comfort or for

weather protection provided that such garments do not provide

additional floatation assistance in the swim leg (refer also

point 10 below for wetsuit usage). SLSA has sole discretion

to determine the question of whether there is or could be

additional floatation assistance in any particular situation. The

event lycra MUST remain the outer garment throughout the

duration of the event, except during the ski leg when the PFD

will remain the outermost garment.

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E N T R Y C O N D I T I O N S & R A C E R E G U L AT I O N S

6. Costumes must not carry any commercial identification except

garment manufacturer’s identification of costumes and their

Surf Life Saving Club. Further to this, appropriate personal

sponsor identification on clothing and the Athlete’s body is

outlined in the Coates Hire Coolangatta Gold Personal Sponsor

Policy (A copy of this policy appears below).

7. Under SLSA Regulations the Event Referee has the authority to

require the removal of, or the non‐wearing of, costumes and/or

other garments which the Referee considers to be offensive.

8. Further, the SLSA Event Manager, Chair of Competition

Committee, SLSA Chair, Sport and/or the Referee may require

the removal of, or the non‐wearing of, costumes and/or other

garments which contain commercial identification not deemed

to be in the interests of the official event sponsor (for more

information please refer to the Coates Hire Coolangatta Gold

2017 Personal Sponsorship Policy).

9. Footwear is optional on the running legs of the event. Swim

goggles, and or face masks may be worn on the swim leg. Swim

flippers or any other performance enhancing swimming aids or

equipment are not permitted.

10. Use of Wetsuits: Approved wetsuits may be worn if at 30 minutes

prior to the Event commencing the water temperature is below

18 degrees Celsius. If the water temperature is 18 degrees

Celsius or above wetsuits will not be permitted.

a. Water temperature will be taken approximately 30 minutes

prior to the commencement of the Event. The temperature

reading will be taken behind the broken wave line, or

approximately 75 metres off shore, and 30 centimetres

below the surface.

b. The Competition Committee reserves the right to examine

wetsuits and refuse permission for a suit to be worn, if it is

not deemed to be standard (i.e. Not Approved).

c. The only wetsuit as approved as standard must:

i. Be a maximum thickness of 3.00mm at any location of the

wetsuit, with a tolerance of 0.3mm.

ii. Contain no additional flotation or buoyancy assistance.

d. Wetsuits must not carry any commercial or sponsorship

identification other than that of the wetsuit manufacturer.

This wetsuit manufacturer identification can only be the size

which is standard to off-the-rack wetsuits of that company.

C R A F T S I G N A G E :

Surf craft may be required to carry branding of the event sponsors,

in accordance with the attached diagram above. In addition to the

branding set out in the attached document, competitors may also

carry personal sponsors only if:

• The signage/branding is positioned in the locations reserved

for branding of sponsors or personal sponsors as shown in the

diagram 1 above, and specifications below.

• The branding does not conflict with the interest of a sponsor of

the event.

If your surf craft carries branding of sponsors which conflict with the

event sponsors, these will need to be covered up or removed before

attending the event.

G E A R & E Q U I P M E N T S P E C I F I C AT I O N S & S C R U T I N E E R I N G :

1. Surfboards, surf skis and personal floatation devices (PFDs) must meet current specifications of SLSA. Copies of those

specifications can be found at https://apps.sls.com.au/sites/sls.com.au/files/u55/slsa-surf-craft-specifications-august-2014.pdf. PFDs which have been tampered with or

‘adapted’ cannot be worn.

2. All competitor craft and PFDs are subject to scrutineering at any

time prior to, during or after the event. Competitors and/or

handlers must comply with the directions of the event

scrutineer, and present their craft or PFD for scrutineering at

requested times and places.

H A N D L E R S A N D B O A R D PA D D L E R S :1. Each competitor or team in the event must have a minimum

of two (2) handlers, whose duties will be to assist in the

deployment, and collection of the competitor/s equipment.

The handlers do not need to be members of a club or hold a

bronze medallion but must be wearing the bib provided. Each

competitor and team will be provided with two (2) handler bibs

and these must be shared if more than two (2) handlers are

assisting.

2. It is compulsory for each competitor to have a board paddler

(minimum proficient Surf Rescue Certificate award holder) with

them in the swim leg and the paddler must wear a fluoro shirt/

rash vest of their own. The competitor’s board paddler must also

visibly wear their competitor’s number and must be tagged by

their competitor as they enter the water. The board paddler’s

details must be provided to SLSA when requested.

a) The board paddler must remain 5 metres in front of or to the

side of the swimmer at all times.

b) The board paddler must be a proficient, financial member of

a Surf Life Saving Club, and as a minimum hold a current Surf

Rescue Certificate.

3. Competitors and team captains will be required to provide the

names and contact numbers of their handlers, and club details

of their board paddler.

4. It is compulsory for each competitor to wear a fluoro pink

coloured swim cap during the swim leg, which will be provided

in their competitor pack.

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E N T R Y C O N D I T I O N S & R A C E R E G U L AT I O N S

5. At no time during the progress of the event, may a handler,

coach or other person in a competitor’s team or club, cause

an advantage, or appear to cause an advantage, to or for, a

competitor by any means. Such “advantage” may not be limited

to, but will include:

a. pacing;

b. travelling alongside of; and/ or

c. push starting.

6. Handlers are not permitted to:

a. enter the water except to retrieve craft, or to take part in a

rescue;

b. leave the competition area in the immediate preceding

‘change over’ area, or the next ‘change over’ area, except to

travel directly between such areas.

Note: Penalties incurred by persons in this rule will be applied

to the competitor/s as if the competitor/s had committed the

infringement.

P E N A LT I E S :1. The Referee, Competition Committee and SLSA shall have the

authority to apply penalties to competitors and/or their clubs

(when the competitor and/or members of a team are members

of SLSA) for infringements of these rules. Non‐members of SLSA

will be subject to the same penalties.

2. Penalties for rule infringements incurred during the event may

be applied and may also count towards a ‘three (3) strikes and

you are out’ principle. Each ‘strike’ will receive the following

penalties:

• 1st penalty = three (3) minutes,

• 2nd penalty = three (3) minutes (cumulative of 6 minutes),

• 3rd penalty = disqualification

Note: 3 minutes is the minimum time penalty for strikes 1 and 2.

If the Referee considers that this time penalty is insufficient for

the breach then an additional time penalty may be imposed. Such

additional time penalty may be protested or appealed by the

competition or team.

Note: The above penalties apply to an individual competitor and/or

a team, e.g. if 3 different team members in the same team receive

one (1) penalty each, the entire team will be disqualified.

3. If the competitor receives notification they are disqualified from

the event or receive their 3rd time penalty they will be stopped

and asked to exit the course.

4. Where practical, competitors will be notified of penalties

through a card system (yellow for penalty, red for

disqualification), and/or verbal notification, and/or a notice

board at the finish line of the event. Time penalties will be

applied at the conclusion of the race.

a. A yellow card penalty may be appealed (See Protests and

Appeals section below)

b. If issued a red card, the competitor must immediately return

to shore, if on water, or cease participation in the event.

P R O T E S T S A N D A P P E A L S :1. A protest against a competitor or a team or against a decision

of an official must be lodged verbally with the Referee (or their

delegate) within 10 minutes of their completion of the event or

the advice of a penalty being applied at their completion of the

event. A written protest must then be lodged with the referee

(or their delegate) within 30 minutes of the verbal protest being

lodged. The result of an event will be withheld until the protest

is decided. The Competition Appeals Committee will deal with

all protests referred to it by the Referee under clause 14.3.3(a)

and all appeals by competitors under clause 14.3.3(d) of the Surf

Sports Manual.

2. Appeals forms can be obtained from the Competition Liaison

Officer.

3. Penalties specifically identified for a breach of regulations of

the event, or as set out in the SLSA Constitution and By‐Laws,

or SLSA Surf Sports Manual (revised 35th Edition), Bulletins

or other publications or instructions issued from time to time,

will be applied by SLSA, the Event Organising Committee, the

Competition Committee and/or the Referee as appropriate.

4. Competitors wishing to appeal against the outcome of a protest

may do so by lodgement of an official “appeal” and the cash

payment of a fee of two hundred & fifty dollars ($250.00 incl.

GST).

P E R S O N A L S P O N S O R S H I P P O L I C Y:The following outlines the sponsorship policy for the Coates

Hire Coolangatta Gold 2017, which you must comply with whilst

participating in the competition.

E V E N T S P O N S O R S The categories listed in the below table have exclusive rights at the

Coates Hire Coolangatta Gold 2017.

No personal sponsorship can be worn by a competitor that is of the

same category as the companies listed below.

Current as of the 22/09/2017. SLSA has the right to update and

change this at any time prior to the Event commencing.

Company Exclusivity Category

Coates Hire - Naming Rights Partner Hire Equipment

DHL - Major Sponsor Logistics

Westpac – Major Sponsor Financial Services

FINZ Swimwear and Lycra Supplier

BRP SeaDoo Water/ Power Craft

facebook.com/slsaustralia @SLSAustralia

@SLSAustraliayoutube.com/user/slsaofficial

STRATEGIC PARTNER

NAMING PARTNER

EVENT PARTNERS

MAJOR NATIONAL PARTNERS

S U R F L I F E S AV I N G A U S T R A L I A W O U L D L I K E T O T H A N K O U R VA L U E D PA R T N E R S